ADHD medication unlikely to raise risk of self-harm, international study finds
The risk of self-harm among people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is highest before people start ADHD medication, rather than after treatment begins, according to new research led by Aston University and recently published in the journal BMJ Mental Health.
New research, led by Aston University, challenges concerns that ADHD medication increases the risk of self-harm, finding the highest risk occurs before treatment begins. In a multinational study of over 460,000 people with ADHD across five healthcare systems, the researchers analyzed periods before, during and after the initiation of ADHD medication over a decade.
The study, published in BMJ Mental Health, revealed that self-harm risk was significantly higher in the 90 days leading up to medication initiation, dropping to lower but still elevated levels during the first 90 days of treatment, and then remaining elevated relative to non-medicated periods. Researchers emphasize the importance of monitoring people with worsening ADHD symptoms before starting treatment to provide early support, as these findings suggest the highest risk occurs prior to treatment.
The study also highlights the value of international collaboration in generating robust evidence to improve patient care while respecting privacy and data governance standards.
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